Once Syria faced isolation over the assassination of former
Lebanon Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. But today Syrian President Bashir Assad is
hosting his Lebanese counterpart Michel Sleiman in Damascus to discuss
strengthening ties and the growing influence of Turkey and Iran.

The government in Beirut is currently caught in a coalition
paralysis, evident by its failure to take a stand on a UN Security Council vote
to slap on more sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program. Lebanon
currently holds a seat on the council but abstained from the vote due to
bickering in Beirut.

Furthermore, Samir Geagea, a key member of Lebanon�s fragile
coalition has just quit over the government�s refusal to discuss the disarmament
of Hizbullah, an increasingly strong partner in the coalition and whose militia
is considered more powerful than the Lebanon army. Unable to govern itself and
under the tightening bear hug of Syria, Lebanon�s government appears ripe for
more dictates from Damascus.